Quick Answer
There are a few good options for storing an opened ball of burrata cheese:
- Cover tightly in plastic wrap and store in the brine (liquid) it came in for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Place in an airtight container and cover with milk, cream, or homemade brine for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in ice cube trays covered in oil or homemade brine for up to 2 months.
What is Burrata Cheese?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a soft, stringy, creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor.
Traditional burrata is shaped like a small pouch and is filled with stracciatella, a soft filling made of mozzarella shreds and cream. It has a smooth, stretchy exterior and a soft, oozing interior when cut open.
Burrata is best when eaten fresh, within 2-3 days of being made. It has a shorter shelf life than regular mozzarella due to the cream in the center.
Should Burrata Be Refrigerated?
Yes, burrata should always be refrigerated to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Here are some refrigeration tips for burrata:
- Keep burrata tightly sealed in its original container until you are ready to eat it.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below. The colder the temperature, the better.
- Use within 2-3 days for highest quality. Discard if you see any mold growth.
- Don’t freeze burrata unless planning to cook it. Freezing causes texture and flavor changes.
The key is minimizing contact with air to prevent the cheese from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. The liquid from the original container also helps keep the cheese moist.
Can You Store an Opened Burrata Ball?
Yes, you can store leftover burrata after opening for up to 5 days if done properly. Here are some tips:
- Plastic wrap: Wrap very tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there is no air exposed. Store submerged in the original brine.
- Airtight container: Place in an airtight storage container and cover completely with milk, cream, or homemade brine.
- Change the covering liquid daily to keep the cheese fresh.
- Monitor closely and discard if you see any discoloration or mold.
The key is keeping the surface from drying out and minimizing air exposure. Storing in an acidic liquid helps inhibit bacterial growth.
How to Make a Burrata Brine
You can make your own burrata brine at home with just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small non-reactive pot and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
- Store unused brine in the refrigerator.
The vinegar helps preserve the cheese and create an acidic environment. Salt and sugar balance out the flavor.
How Long Does Burrata Last?
| Storage Method | Fridge Temp | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed in original package | 40°F or below | 2-3 days |
| Submerged in brine | 40°F or below | 5 days |
| Covered in milk or cream | 40°F or below | 3-5 days |
Proper refrigeration and storage in an acidic liquid allows you to extend the shelf life for up to 5 days past the use-by date printed on the package.
However, burrata is highly perishable and best when fresh. For highest quality, use within 2-3 days of purchase or making it at home.
How To Store Leftover Burrata
Here are some tips for storing leftover burrata after opening:
Short-Term Storage
- Cover in plastic wrap directly touching surface of cheese. Eliminate as much air as possible.
- Submerge in brine or liquid from original container.
- Use within 3-5 days.
This helps prevent drying out. Opening exposes more surface area to air.
Long-Term Storage
- Freeze in ice cube trays or muffin tins.
- Cover cubes in olive oil, homemade brine, whey, or stock.
- Transfer frozen cubes to freezer bag.
- Thaw in refrigerator before using.
Freezing changes the texture slightly but prevents waste. Use within 2 months for best quality.
Storage Tips
- Avoid temperature fluctuations which accelerate spoilage.
- Monitor for mold and discard if any develops.
- Use clean utensils to remove portions to prevent contamination.
- Don’t refreeze thawed burrata.
Following proper storage methods allows you to enjoy burrata a bit past its prime. But for best flavor and texture, use as soon as possible after opening.
What Happens If You Freeze Burrata?
You can freeze burrata but the texture and flavor will change:
- The creamy interior can separate and become grainy.
- The cheese curds can harden and become rubbery.
- It loses its signature stretchiness.
- The flavor is muted.
However, frozen burrata is still usable if you plan to cook with it or don’t mind changes.
Here are some tips for freezing:
- Cut into cubes or portions before freezing. Smaller sizes freeze faster.
- Cover surface with olive oil, whey, stock, or brine to prevent freezer burn.
- Use frozen cheese within 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
While not ideal, freezing can extend the life of burrata so it doesn’t go to waste. It’s best to use frozen burrata for cooking in recipes like pizza, pasta, soups, etc.
Can You Freeze Leftover Burrata?
Yes, you can freeze leftover burrata cheese to extend its shelf life. However, the texture and flavor will decline after freezing.
Here are some tips for freezing opened burrata:
- Cut into 1-inch cubes or small portions.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze solid.
- Transfer frozen cubes to an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Cover frozen cubes in olive oil, brine, or liquid to prevent freezer burn.
- Label package with date and use within 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
The creamy interior can curdle and separate after thawing. The texture becomes more rubbery and dense.
Only freeze burrata if you plan to cook with it. The flavor and texture will decline too much for salad or appetizer use after freezing.
For best quality, use leftover burrata within 3-5 days of opening rather than freezing. But it can give you an extra few weeks if you’re unable to finish it.
Storing Burrata for Later Use
Burrata is highly perishable, but you can extend its shelf life for later use by:
Short Term Storage (5 days or less)
- Keep sealed in original packaging until ready to eat.
- Store in brine from package.
- Place in airtight container covered in liquid.
- Change liquid daily.
Long Term Storage (2 months)
- Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze individually until solid.
- Transfer to airtight freezer bag or container.
- Cover completely in oil, brine, or whey.
Storage Tips
- Minimize temperature fluctuations.
- Monitor for mold and discard if any develops.
- Label frozen bags with date.
- Use frozen burrata within 2 months.
Proper storage keeps burrata fresh for an extended, but limited time. For best results, eat within 2-3 days of purchase or making it.
What’s the Best Way to Use Leftover Burrata?
Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover burrata cheese:
On Pasta
Add cubes or dollops of burrata to cooked pasta. The heat will soften it into a creamy sauce. Toss with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and freshly cracked pepper.
Pizza Topping
Cut into chunks and add as a finishing topping to baked pizza. The heat will melt the cheese into creamy pools.
Stuffed Vegetables
Scoop into mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini boats that have been baked until tender. Top with breadcrumbs or herbs.
Bruschetta
Spoon over grilled or toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil. Top with chopped tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Salads
Place chilled chunks or balls over fresh greens, roasted veggies, or grains. The creamy cheese pairs well with vinaigrettes.
Appetizers
Serve atop crostini, crackers, or flatbreads with prosciutto, fig jam, or roasted tomatoes for an easy small plate.
Leftover burrata brings a rich, decadent factor to both hot and cold dishes. Use it up within 3-5 days for best quality and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can unopened burrata last in the fridge?
An unopened burrata in its original packaging will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge from its production date. Always check the use-by date and discard if expired.
Can you refreeze thawed burrata?
It’s not recommended to refreeze thawed burrata, as the texture will become even more unstable. Refreezing promotes additional moisture loss and separation of the creamy interior.
What happens if you don’t store burrata in liquid?
If not stored in liquid, burrata will dry out quickly in the fridge, even when wrapped. The surface will become leathery and the cheese won’t have the right creamy texture when eaten.
How do you know if burrata has gone bad?
Signs that burrata has spoiled include mold growth, yellowish discoloration, strange odors, bitterness, dry spots on the surface, or a rancid smell. If you see any signs of spoilage, play it safe and discard.
Can you freeze burrata in its original packaging?
It’s best to open and portion out the burrata before freezing. Leaving it in the original container can cause freezer burn. For best quality, cut into cubes and freeze with some liquid covering the surface.
Conclusion
Burrata is a fresh cheese best eaten within 2-3 days of purchase or making. Properly storing leftovers in brine, milk, or cream allows you to extend its shelf life by up to 5 days. Freezing is an option too but will result in texture and flavor changes. For best results, refrigerate burrata sealed in its original packaging until you are ready to enjoy its silky, rich texture and fresh, creamy flavor. Follow proper storage guidelines to get the most out of each ball of luscious burrata cheese.
